The Builder's Scope Assumptions Audit Worksheet

Gil Rosa
Jun 20
2 min read

A tool to identify risky assumptions before the budget locks in.

"The problem isn't what's written in the drawings.

It's what isn't, and everyone assumes someone else will catch."

The Hidden Danger of Assumptions

Projects rarely blow up because of one big mistake.

They bleed out slowly from dozens of silent assumptions:

"I thought the GC was supplying that."
"We assumed the architect meant typical detail A."
"We figured the client would provide those specs."

Assumptions are where budgets go to die.

By the time you realize you made one, you've already signed the contract, issued the PO, or worse, started the work.

That's why we created the Scope Assumptions Audit Worksheet:

It is a simple but powerful tool to surface the gray areas before they become red ink.

What It Helps You Catch

Before you finalize your budget or submit a proposal, this worksheet walks you through:

Known Unknowns – Items mentioned but not fully described
Responsibility Gaps – Scope items that could fall between trades
Spec Conflicts – Differences between drawing sets or sheets
Field Conditions – Realities not captured on the plans
Owner Expectations – Unspoken assumptions based on past projects or "standard practice"

How to Use It

Pick Your Project
Print the drawings. Pull the specs. Get your team in the room.
Review Scope Line by Line
Ask: Is this clearly defined? Is it ours? Is it confirmed?
Mark Anything Assumed or Vague
Use the worksheet columns:
- Scope Item
- Assumption Made
- Risk if Wrong
- Who Needs to Confirm
- Status (Pending/Verified)
Send Clarification RFIs Early
The sooner you clear the fog, the fewer surprises mid-project.

Scope Assumptions Audit Worksheet

Scope Item	Assumption Made	Risk if Wrong	Who Needs to Confirm	Status
Exterior Insulation	GC assumed Sub includes all trims	Unbudgeted material purchase	Estimator/PM	Pending
Light Fixtures	Owner providing fixtures	Sub buys without reimbursement	Owner Rep	Verified
Roof Drainage	Assumed standard pitch, no detail on plans	Improper water flow	Architect	Pending

Use this table as a live review tool in your next precon walkthrough or estimating meeting. Add rows. Share it. Or better yet, make it part of your standard preconstruction checklist.